Ever wondered what species of moth might be in your woodland but haven't been sure how to find out? In this film by Quentin Clark, we return to Mike Saynor of the Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers in Wokingham and meet entomologist Jon Cole. Jon explains how to determine what moth species there are through the use of a mercury vapour moth trap and identifies a number of common moths we have in British woodlands. For more details on the excellent work the Holt Copse conservation volunteers do please visit http://hccv.org.uk/.

In this film by rewilding film maker Jack d'Gama, we return to ecologist Connor McKinnie for his expert insight into the differences between tree planting and natural regeneration. Connor talks through the benefits and challenges of each, and how a combination of both might work well. Connor highlights key factors to consider when planning woodland creation, such as tree protection methods, planting pattern, and species. This is our second film with Connor looking at aspects of rewilding. The first film can be seen here: https://youtu.be/HZNX9hTzQaU, 'What is Rewilding' or click on the link at the end of the film. Are you considering your own tree planting or natural regeneration project? If so, you may be interested to know that woodlands.co.uk (https://www.woodlands.co.uk/) sell not just woodlands but also land for tree planting and rewilding, meadows and land with lakes and rivers. Woodlands.co.uk also provides advice on wildlife conservation, planning legislation, grants and so much more. If you’ve got any queries, head over to https://www.woodlands.co.uk/about-us/contact-us and reach out to your local representative.

In this film by accomplished film maker Katie Vickers, we meet Bruce Slark who has created an incredible forest garden. Bruce talks about the range of edible berries he grows, including creeping raspberries, mulberry trees, Chilean guava (apparently Queen Victoria's favourite fruit!), Japanese wineberry, blueberries, black chokeberry, and shade-loving salal. Bruce talks about their nutritional value, how to process and store them, and how to plan your forest garden with the addition of nitrogen fixing plants to benefit the fruit bushes. To learn more about Bruce's forest garden please visit https://scytheman-theforestgardener.blogspot.com/ and search for 'Forest Garden Fruit and Craft' on Facebook.

In this film, actress and presenter Nicola Kelleher provides a very personal account of how being in nature and woodlands in particular has helped her and her family. As a mother of a child with autism, Nicola shares her experience, the types of activities she does with her daughter and how this can benefit everyone physically, socially, and from a well-being perspective. Please note, this film makes one reference to analysis of suicide rates amongst those with autism. If you would like more information and support in relation to the themes in this film then this NHS link provides a list of charities, organisations, forums and groups that can provide assistance: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/support/.

A woodland fire pit is the perfect central place for you, your friends and family to come together, share stories and enjoy the outdoors. In this film by Natalie Clements, we meet Jason Miller, founder of Military and Emergency Services Help (MESH) and volunteer instructor Damian Booth who show us how to create the perfect fire pit. Jason talks about the importance of community and being outdoors for mental health. MESH is for those military and emergency services personnel who have experienced PTSD and other mental health issues. It offers them and their whole families the opportunity to come together, learn some bushcraft skills and be outside in nature.

In this film by wildlife film maker Cameron Wright we learn some top tips for successful wildlife photography: types of camouflage clothing, positioning to avoid detection, and how to get close to avoid scaring the wildlife away.

In this film by outstanding wildlife film maker Natalie Clements, we return to Richard Lloyd Evans from Project Nestbox. Richard tells us about the amazing redstart and pied flycatchers, their migratory route, habitat and how to identify them. He sets out how we can encourage them to our woodlands, features of the nest boxes they favour and where to site them, and materials to use to protect them from predators and the weather. To learn more about the work of Project Nestbox please see: https://www.projectnestbox.co.uk/ https://www.youtube.com/@projectnestbox https://www.facebook.com/projectnestbox https://www.instagram.com/projectnestb0x/ Our first film with Richard was on how to encourage owls to your woodland and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/aU_3nqdMGrI.

Ever wondered why trees lose their leaves in Autumn, or how climate change may affect this seasonal cycle? In this film by rewilding film maker Jack D'Gama, we meet Thiago Silva (lecturer at the University of Stirling and National Geographic Explorer) and Sam Rogerson (entomologist and ecologist from the University of Stirling). Thiago and Sam explain the importance of the leaf cycle for the functioning of the woodland ecosystem, why it occurs, and the significance of the forest floor's leaf litter for invertebrates and wider woodland health. For more information on Thiago's research, please see his X handle @thi_sanna and his LinkedIn profile. To follow Sam and his research on social media please see @naturefromsam.

In this film by wildlife film maker Tom Hartwell, Howard Inns from The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) provides practical guidance on how to encourage reptiles like grass snakes and slow worms into your woodland. He talks us through how to provide food sources, warmth, and places for them to hibernate and lay their eggs. You can also access the ARC's free habitat management handbooks here: https://www.arc-trust.org/habitat-management-handbooks. For more information on the fabulous work of the ARC please see https://www.arc-trust.org/; https://www.instagram.com/arc.trust.official/; https://twitter.com/ARC_bytes; https://www.facebook.com/ARCTrust; and https://www.youtube.com/user/ARCTrust. Special thanks to Barry Deakin for showcasing his wonderful woodland and how he has created the right conditions for healthy reptile populations.

In this film by rewilding film maker Jack D'Gama, we meet mycologist David Satori who specialises in mycorrhizal woodland ecology. David introduces us to the diversity and complexity of woodland fungi and their symbiotic relationship with trees, and why mycorrhizal fungi are just as important as trees in a woodland ecosystem. David explains how the fungi share nutrients with the trees which provide sugars from photosynthesis to the fungi, but how this relationship is not always altruistic. For more information on David's work and research please see https://www.rewildingmycology.org/david-satori/ and on Instagram, @rewilding_mycology. Autumn is the most interesting time to see fungi in woodlands. To celebrate this, we have an accompanying blog on mycorrhizal fungi coming out on 22 November 2024 (look out for it here: https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/). Did you miss the fascinating October webinar on truffle hunting hosted by our partner organisation, Small Woodland Owners Group (SWOG)? If so, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qR4lZrDYLQ.